Korean idol group TVXQ's first release in Japan as a duo claimed the No.1 spot on the prestigious Oricon daily music chart on the day of its release.
TVXQ’s 31st single “Why (Keep Your Head Down)” topped Oricon's daily singles chart on January 26 after selling a total 133,223 copies, according to the chart's official website.
The last time TVXQ’s single ranked on top of the chart was with its 30th single “Toki wo Tomete” (時ヲ止メテ/ Please Stop Time) on March 24 of last year.
“Why” had been one of the most anticipated albums in Japan, having placed first on various online pre-order charts in the country beforehand, including that of HMV, a major online shopping and information site for music, DVD and games.
The song, which was already released as a ringtone in the country on January 12, had also ranked first on major ringtone charts such as that of Mu-Mo and RecoChoku.
TVXQ's latest single released in Japan features two songs in Japanese including their title track “Why (Keep Your Head Down)” and “MAXIMUM."
The group gave their first performance of the above songs in Japan at the SMTOWN LIVE in TOKYO held in Yogyogi National Stadium on January 25 and 26. They are also set to star in Asahi TV’s “Music Station” tomorrow.
TVXQ, which debuted in 2004, was formerly a five-member boy band but now active only with two members U-know Yunho and Max Changmin after a legal embroilment that led members Junsu, Yuchun and Jaejoong to suspend their activites with the group.
Nonetheless the group has been faring well so far with their newest album, having swept the major televised music charts in Korea and online music charts in Taiwan.
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